Signification
Bookish knowledge is not always practical.
Contexte culturel
In Tamil Nadu, this proverb is often used to advocate for 'vocational' or 'skill-based' education over purely academic degrees. Sri Lankan Tamils use this proverb similarly, but sometimes with a focus on traditional crafts like fishing or farming where apprenticeship is key. In the diaspora, parents use this to encourage children to learn life skills (cooking, cleaning) alongside their university studies. The proverb reflects the 'Sangam' era values where 'Vinai' (action) was considered the true measure of a man's worth.
Use it to show humility
If you are a student, using this proverb about yourself shows you value practical experience and are eager to learn.
Don't over-use it
If you use it too often against experts, you might sound like you don't value science or research.
Signification
Bookish knowledge is not always practical.
Use it to show humility
If you are a student, using this proverb about yourself shows you value practical experience and are eager to learn.
Don't over-use it
If you use it too often against experts, you might sound like you don't value science or research.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
ஏட்டுச் சுரைக்காய் ________ உதவாது.
The standard proverb uses 'கறிக்கு' (for the curry).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
A person has a PhD in Agriculture but cannot identify a paddy plant in a field.
This situation perfectly describes theoretical knowledge failing in a practical setting.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Manager: 'The plan looks perfect on the slides.' Consultant: 'Yes, but we need to see if it works on the ground. ________.'
The consultant is warning that a plan on paper (slides) might not be practical.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Theory vs. Practice
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesஏட்டுச் சுரைக்காய் ________ உதவாது.
The standard proverb uses 'கறிக்கு' (for the curry).
A person has a PhD in Agriculture but cannot identify a paddy plant in a field.
This situation perfectly describes theoretical knowledge failing in a practical setting.
Manager: 'The plan looks perfect on the slides.' Consultant: 'Yes, but we need to see if it works on the ground. ________.'
The consultant is warning that a plan on paper (slides) might not be practical.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsIt can be if used to mock someone's education. Use it carefully as a piece of advice rather than an insult.
Yes! It's very popular now for 'YouTube tutorials' vs. 'Real skills'.
It is a Bottle Gourd, a long green vegetable very common in South Indian cooking.
Expressions liées
அனுபவமே சிறந்த குரு
similarExperience is the best teacher.
படித்த முட்டாள்
similarAn educated fool.
சுவர் இருந்தால் தான் சித்திரம் வரைய முடியும்
builds onOnly if there is a wall can you draw a picture.
